SolarCity Opens First New Mexico Operations Center in Albuquerque

Published 3:05 PM ET Thu, 2 April 2015
Globe Newswire

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SolarCity® (Nasdaq:SCTY), America's #1 solar power provider, is expanding its New Mexico presence with a new 18,000 square foot operations center in Albuquerque. U.S. Senator Heinrich, Congresswoman Lujan Grisham and other state and local officials planned to join SolarCity staff to cut the ribbon in the new facility today. Albuquerque is SolarCity's first operations center in the state and the company expects to employ more than 75 when fully staffed at the location.

SolarCity, which launched New Mexico service in early March, makes it possible for many New Mexico homeowners to install solar with no upfront cost and pay as much as 20 percent less by going solar than they pay for utility power, with installation, production guarantee, monitoring and repair service included at no additional cost.

"We are always excited to welcome new companies to our city," said Mayor Richard J. Berry. "Albuquerque is a perfect fit for SolarCity given our 310 days of sunshine and our burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem."

"SolarCity's decision to come to New Mexico is great news for our residents, our economy, and our environment. The solar industry employs more than 173,000 Americans and SolarCity's new office here in Albuquerque is helping to contribute to that growth. Unique opportunities like this allow homeowners here in Albuquerque and across the state to have more control over their electricity bills and create a viable option to choose cleaner energy for less," said U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich.

"New Mexico has been a leader in creating green jobs and renewable energy technology," Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham said. "SolarCity's expansion to Albuquerque will build on that success, and provide new options for New Mexicans who are considering solar energy for their homes or businesses."

A number of state and local officials were expected to be on hand to help welcome SolarCity to the area, including: State Senator Mimi Stewart; State Representatives Georgene Louis and Antonio Maestas; New Mexico Public Regulation Commissioners Karen Montoya and Linda Lovejoy; Albuquerque City Councilor Ken Sanchez; City of Albuquerque Economic Development Department Director Gary Oppedahl; and Albuquerque West Side Chamber of Commerce President Luis Hernandez.

SolarCity's new operations center means new solar jobs for the region. SolarCity has already begun to hire staff in Albuquerque and has a range of additional open positions in sales, installation and related roles. Jobs related to solar installation will make up the bulk of the hiring for the new facility. New Mexico has significant potential for solar growth as one of America's sunniest states. Nationally, solar jobs grew at more than 20 percent in 2014, and solar installation jobs grew faster than any other sector of the industry. [1]

Candidates interested in employment opportunities in New Mexico can review available positions and contact SolarCity directly via its online jobs form at www.solarcity.com/jobs.

Area homeowners interested in SolarCity's services may visit SolarCity online at www.solarcity.com or contact the company directly at 1-888-SOL-CITY (1-888-765-2489) for a free, no-obligation solar consultation.

SolarCity® (Nasdaq:SCTY) provides clean energy. The company has disrupted the century-old energy industry by providing renewable electricity directly to homeowners, businesses and government organizations for less than they spend on utility bills. SolarCity gives customers control of their energy costs to protect them from rising rates. The company makes solar energy easy by taking care of everything from design and permitting to monitoring and maintenance. SolarCity currently serves 16 states. Visit the company online at www.solarcity.com and follow the company on Facebook & Twitter.

Contractor's License: NM EE98-379590

SolarCity is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

This release contains forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements regarding savings, hiring and expansion. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved, if at all. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward looking statements. You should read the section entitled "Risk Factors" in SolarCity's annual report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and identifies certain of these and additional risks and uncertainties. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.